The Native American Journalists Association(NAJA) has announced its winnersfrom more than 730 print, web, TV, and radio entries from across the U.S. and Canada.
In the Professional Division III category, KLCC earned second place for Excellence in Beat Reporting (2020 Census efforts among Indigenous communities), and in Associate Division III, KLCC scored another second place for Best Coverage of Native America.
KLCC dominated one category this year: Professional Division III Radio/Podcast Best Feature Story. First place was for “2020 Finds Indigenous Nations Preparing for Wildfires and COVID-19”, second place was for “New Wave of Social Justice Finds Black and Indigenous Activists United,”, and third place was for “Following Story Pole Controversy, Ritz Saunas Now Gifted with Tlingit Artist.”
All winning entries were by KLCC reporter Brian Bull, and edited by KLCC news director Rachael McDonald.
“Brian has a unique gift for showcasing the richness and complexity of Oregon’s indigenous communities through his vivid reporting,” said KLCC General Manager Jim Rondeau.
“It’s journalism that builds connections and provides the context for greater understanding. We’re proud of this recognition and grateful to our audience for supporting it.”
"This has been a challenging year and a half and I'm proud of the way Brian has risen to the challenge and done some really fantastic work," said KLCC News Director Rachael McDonald.
"Brian approaches each story with focus, creativity and sensitivity, and the recognition from NAJA for his reporting is well-deserved."
Bull is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe and long-standing member of NAJA. In addition to KLCC, he’s covered Indigenous stories for NPR, National Native News, and Underscore.news, with additional carriage from newspapers such as Indian Country Today, High Country News, and The Oregonian.
Bull also works with NPR’s Next Generation Radio Projectas a mentor for up-and-coming journalists from underrepresented communities. He joined KLCC in 2016.
Copyright 2021, KLCC.
